Cricket player and shop manager at Decorista
- Cricket pitch below the Army Camp, Rampart Street
I’ve been playing cricket on the ramparts since I was 18. You never quite know how the ball is going to bounce. With the sea wind that blows over the rampart walls every delivery is unpredictable, but it’s all part of the fun!
Afternoon innings
I’ve been playing cricket on the ramparts since I was 18. As soon as I finish work at the shop, I walk over to the pitch below the army camp and meet my friends. It’s a fluid team and people come and go. Tourists often join us, which is fun, particularly Brits and Australians who are keen on cricket. It’s supposed to be ‘friendly cricket’ but it often gets very competitive.
Challenging terrain
As the pitch is not properly prepared, you never quite know how the ball is going to bounce. That along with the sea wind that blows over the rampart walls, makes it a tough place to play but it’s all part of the fun. Every delivery is unpredictable! I am an all-rounder but particularly enjoy hitting a cover drive shot when I’m batting. The ball often ends up on the roof of Sea Green Guesthouse! Luckily, we know the owners and they are always friendly.
Secrets to success
To play cricket, you have to be intelligent. It’s not a quick sport. You have to have self-belief. Confidence and experience are key. Kumar Sangakkara, a former Sri Lankan cricket captain, is my favourite player – he is a genuine batsman.